Senate moves forward on COLA repeal

Legislative Update

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By a 94-0 vote Feb. 10, the Senate moved forward in passing legislation that would restore cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) benefits that were stripped from military retirees by a bill that Congress passed in December. The vote on S. 1963, introduced by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., makes the measure eligible for a floor vote in the Senate and protects it against filibusters.

The Senate took advantage of an excellent opportunity to show its support for America’s military retirees, American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger said, adding that lawmakers showed strong solidarity in moving forward on a bill that would repeal military pension cuts to be imposed over the next decade. Their decision was preceded by a congressional budget compromise that was struck just before the Christmas holidays.

If enacted, S. 1963 would repeal Section 403 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. This section reduces COLA benefits for military retirees under age 62, at a rate of 1 percent annually over a decade.

Dellinger said he understood why the Senate overwhelmingly approved Pryor’s bill. “It’s a very succinct piece of legislation that can eliminate these unfair and ill-conceived COLA cuts,” he said. “Both parties created this problem, and both parties demonstrated today that they are capable of decisive, bipartisan action when it comes to honoring its promises to America’s veterans.”

The measure gives the Senate a chance to act separately on the military COLA cuts, rather than deal with them as one of many issues included in a more comprehensive bill (S.1982) introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

“While The American Legion is greatly pleased by the Senate’s actions today, we are going to hold Congress to its word on this matter,” Dellinger said. “Anything less than a full repeal is a breach of faith with our military servicemembers, retirees and their families.”

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Attallah Hodges, USN Veteran

It is so exhausting to see disabled veterans and military retirees constantly treated like dirt by Congress. I just don't understand how our country can do this. On the other hand Congress does nothing to end Amnesty for deadbeat parents; who are perfectly healthy and able to work; but feel that little innocent children dont deserve to eat, have clothes, medical care. Many of these children end up on EBT Food Stamps, Welfare, Section 8 Housing, or being raised by their senior citizen/disabled grandparents; while their parents are out twerking at the local nightclub trying to make even more babies they refuse to work and care for. End Amnesty for Perfectly Healthy Parents who are too lazy to work; Congress please leave the disabled veterans and military retirees alone. If Congress went after deadbeat parents the way congress sticks it to the active duty military, disabled veterans, and military retirees their would not be any starving, neglected children on welfare and ebt/food stamps.

James F. Carr USAF

Again our Service Organization Leaders are patting the congress on the back for changing their original act of Infamy to a minor act. If we vote out the incumbent( the Party does not matter) every for three cycles for Congress and one cycle for the Senate. Our leaders would no longer have to suck up to OUR EMPLOYEES . Yes Congress works for us , if we all remember this when we vote America might stay the country we fought for. JimCarr

SC

President signed bill Saturday while on vacation. However, reading the Senate bill shows this law would apply only to those who retired prior to 1 January 2014. Didn't find it posted on Presidents' Day to check out the actual wording.

Sailor Ron in FLA

Nice going.
Now Congress - ALL of them, should REDUCE THEIR pay and percs.
How much money will THAT save us?
The CEO of Chase Manhattan bank just gave himself a SEVENTY-PERCENT raise!!! How does Congress feel about that - especially after the bailout!!